The East Meadow Fire Department is preparing to host a Community Blood Drive in memory of Carol Gyss-Gravely, a longtime firefighter, emergency medical technician and nurse, as the region continues to face a critical blood shortage.
The blood drive is scheduled for July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the department's headquarters on East Meadow Avenue. Complimentary hot dogs and water will be available for donors.
While the event aims to help replenish the local blood supply, it will also honor Gyss-Gravely, whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the East Meadow community.
In a release shared with the Herald, the fire department noted that "if you lived in East Meadow for any period of time, you likely knew Carol, and that smile she carried with her every day."
Gyss-Gravely's connection to the department began as a teenager when she joined the East Meadow Junior Fire Company. She later became active in the Ladies Auxiliary, serving two terms as president while supporting the department's firefighters. She also joined Rescue Company No. 5, where she spent years serving the community as an emergency medical technician.
It was through the fire department that she met her husband, former Capt. David Gravely. The couple built a life together and raised their son, David.
Outside of her volunteer service, Gyss-Gravely was a dedicated and compassionate registered cardiothoracic nurse whose career spanned more than 40 years. She earned an associate degree from Nassau Community College and both her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Chamberlain University. Known for her unwavering commitment to patient care, she was deeply respected by colleagues, friends and the countless patients and families whose lives she touched throughout her distinguished career.
As the years passed, the Gravely family enjoyed spending time in Florida and planning for retirement. On Jan. 24, 2026, David and Carol Gravely were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident in Florida. Carol died from injuries sustained in the crash. She was 64.
"Always a smile, a proud mother, sister, daughter and wife, Carol could brighten anyone's day," Second Assistant Chief John O'Brien Jr., who is coordinating the event, said. "We ask all residents who can donate to please join us, share a memory, and help us save a life."
The need for donors remains especially important during the summer months. Blood donation organizations across New York are urging residents to give blood as donations typically decline while hospital demand remains constant. According to the New York Blood Center, which supplies blood to hospitals throughout the region, donations often drop during the summer because schools are out of session, workplace blood drives become less frequent, and many regular donors are traveling.
The shortage can be especially acute for Type O blood, particularly O-negative, which is used in emergencies when a patient's blood type is unknown. Blood is needed daily for trauma victims, cancer patients, surgical procedures, organ transplants and individuals with chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease. The New York Blood Center also notes that platelets are frequently in short supply because they have a shelf life of only five days, requiring a steady stream of donations to meet hospital needs.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, call (800) 933-2566 or visit NYBC.org. Each donor will receive a voucher redeemable for two complimentary tickets to select home games for the 2026 New York Islanders regular season at UBS Arena.
